Introduction

This Easy Crispy Baked Ranch Chicken is a flavorful and simple weeknight meal that everyone will love. With a crunchy ranch-seasoned crust and juicy chicken thighs, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep.

The image shows several pieces of baked chicken thighs with a golden brown, crispy breadcrumb coating on top. The coating looks crunchy and has different shades of brown, with some darker and lighter spots showing a well-toasted texture. The chicken is placed in a layer of creamy, pale sauce that pools around the pieces, giving a slightly shiny surface. Green chopped herbs are sprinkled on top of the chicken and in the sauce, adding small bright green patches to the warm colors of the dish. The chicken pieces are arranged closely on a white marbled textured background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 ounce packet ranch seasoning mix (or homemade blend)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika (for color and mild smokiness)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub olive oil evenly over each piece, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture generously on all sides.
Step 4: Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching for even crisping.
Step 5: Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Try using boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but reduce baking time to avoid drying out the meat.
Make your own ranch seasoning with dried herbs and spices for a fresher taste and control over salt content.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain crisp skin. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture crispy.

How to Serve

The image shows several pieces of baked chicken thighs with a crunchy, golden-brown crust made from breadcrumbs on top, each piece evenly coated and browned with crispy edges. The chicken is sitting in a creamy light yellow sauce pooling at the bottom, dotted with small green herb pieces sprinkled generously over the chicken and sauce. The texture of the crust is crunchy and coarse, while the sauce looks smooth and rich, all set on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken breasts tend to dry out faster. Bake at a lower temperature and check for doneness often for best results.

Is homemade ranch seasoning as good as store-bought?

Homemade ranch seasoning can be just as flavorful and lets you customize ingredients, but store-bought mixes are convenient and reliable for quick meals.

Easy Crispy Baked Ranch Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 106 reviews

This Easy Crispy Baked Ranch Chicken recipe features juicy, flavorful chicken thighs coated in a savory ranch seasoning blend and baked to crispy perfection. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, the skin-on chicken is enhanced with garlic powder, paprika, and a hint of olive oil to create a deliciously crunchy exterior and tender, juicy meat inside. Garnished with fresh parsley, this simple dish pairs well with a variety of sides and is sure to become a family favorite.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 ounce packet ranch seasoning mix (or homemade blend)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the chicken to a crispy finish.
Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps to achieve crispy skin. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
Season the Chicken: Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the chicken. Toss again until all pieces are well coated with the seasoning.
Arrange for Baking: Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet or in a baking dish lined with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup. Make sure they are spaced apart to allow even cooking and crisping.
Bake the Chicken: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve hot alongside your favorite side dishes.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is key to achieving crispy skin.
You can substitute homemade ranch seasoning with your preferred blend of dried herbs and spices.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked but still juicy.
If you prefer extra crispiness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
This recipe works well with chicken drumsticks or breasts if adjusted for cooking time.

Keywords: baked chicken, ranch chicken, crispy chicken thighs, oven-baked chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner